Just returned from my second protracted stay at the superb Four Seasons Buenos Aires.
Everything about the hotel -- from the accomodating staff, to the wonderful food at Le Mistral to the top notch spa and gym--is first rate. But the biggest bonus of all in 90 degree BsAs is the swimming pool where an army of attendants spritz you with Evian and then offer eucalyptus scented face towels for further refreshment. I believe the Marriott has a pool but the hotel is not in the same class as the Four Seasons. And the other 5 stars have chosen to keep their pools indoors-- the Park Hyatt coming to mind first. Aside from being an oasis in the middle of town, in 11 days in BsAs, we ate out nightly and the one night we chose The Mistral we came away feeling we'd had our best dinner of entire visit.

So, you're staying in a fun, dynamic, beautiful South American city...why stay in the anonymous Four Seasons that could be anywhere from Toronto to Munich? All the "luxury" cliches are there...the big lobby with marble details, the pool with attentive attendants, the spa/gym, the fairly large rooms with double-sink bathrooms/tubs/showers. But, the decor is entirely lacking individuality, and frankly it's rather dated and worn. The sleeping rooms seemed locked in a 1995 time warp. The lobby bar area is subterranean (under the pool) and feels inhospitable. The restaurant is equally charmless. The service tries to be hospitable, but any requests out of the ordinary seemed to throw them for a loop and go unanswered and I never felt I was recognized as an individual...just as random north american tourist. The location is also sub-optimal. Yes, in Recoleta its a reasonable walk to Florida Street shopping, or the luxury boutiques. But, are you in BA for shopping? Also, this specific location, right on the motorway, is really charmless and many rooms seem to face the full traffic assault (although luckily mine did not). However, even overlooking the pool area, I could not leave my windows open due to constant drone of traffic...closed, the room was silent, that said. All in all, you will be so much better served to forgo the silly "luxury" ammenities...and stay in a high quality boutique hotel at 1/2 this price in a more interesting area like Palermo SOHO. I subsequently stayed at the Legado Mitico and HIGHLY recommend it.

An absolutely fantastic hotel where everything works and is faultless. We stayed 3 times during a trip around South America ending the stays upgraded to La Mansion which was a real experience.

Each time all staff members new my name and we were treated to the pampering that you expect at a 5* hotel with rates to match. However this is bar far the best 5* property we stayed in South America and better than any we have stayed in North America.

Each service area from check-in, pool, spa, bar, restaurant, laundry, concierge were courteous and professional. This is a really friendly hotel and not the impersonal corporate monolith a Hyatt or Sheraton can often be.

We would strongly recommend the option of diplomatic arrival offered by the hotel on international flights from EZE airport. We were met at the aircraft door and escorted to a private lounge where all immigration work was done while we drank a glass of Malbec. We then got escorted to a car where our luggage was waiting. Its the closest thing to travelling by private aircraft!

Don't be put off by the rates this is true quality and has made our 3 week trip sensational. Cannot recommend enough.

Arriving from an overnight flight in old jeans and a t-shirt, I felt a bit out of place at the Buenos Aires Four Seasons when the Armani-clad guest checking in next to me pulled out a black AMEX card. No problem - I found out that us mere mortals can coexist peacefully with the insanely rich in this wonderful island of civility and comfort.

The rooms are adequately sized and comfortable, generally up to 5 star standards, although they could use a bit of updating and creative decor. The bed was incredible - the closest thing I'll ever come to sleeping on a cloud. The desk comes with a nifty attachment with several power outlets (no more scrambling on your knees looking for one) and a modem connection. The WiFi is strong throughout the hotel and moderately priced at $10 a day.

You'll find plenty of great dining options nearby, including Sottovoce for italian, Sorrento for fish, and many offerings of grilled Argentinian beef. Hoever, if you feel like staying in, the restaurant on the lobby level offers fabulous beef and an incredible grilled salmon. The bar, however, is rather dull and unwelcoming, so if you're up for a few drinks, best to mosey on over to La Recoleta (about 6 blocks away) where you'll find lots to do.

One more thing (can't help myself on this one). If you're a bit tired of the ritzy neighborhood and want to try a beef restaurant in a more "normal" setting, hop on a cab and go to "La Brigada" in San Telmo and order the special steak. Man oh man. My mouth still waters from just remembering.